What to Pack for Working at a Summer Camp in the USA

What should you bring to summer camp in the USA? Here is a list of items, packing tips, tricks and where you can find what you need.
NOTE: This video was made specifically for camp counselors/staff who have never been to summer camp before, or who are international workers coming to a USA summer camp for the first time.
Tips before you start:
1. Check for a packing list provided by your camp (via their website).
2. Before buying these things check with your camp if there are websites or stores near them that offer discounts for camp staff.
3. You should have time to go and buy the majority of what you need once you get to camp.
Time Stamps & Packing List
2:05 Essentials
-Watch
-Water bottle
-Coffee mug/Take-away mug
-Flashlight/Headlamp/Lantern
-Extra batteries
-Sleeping bag
-Sunglasses
-Hat
-Sunscreen
-Bug spray
-Hair Ties & Headbands
7:21 Helpful Extras
-Day pack
-Hammock
-Crazy creek
-Ear plugs
-Goggles
-Pictures from home
-Lights for your cabin
-Something to do with campers: Cards/ Friendship Bracelet String
-Book
-Journal / Notebook / Pen
-Guitar/ Uke
11:34 Clothing
TIP: Check with camp rules to see what you can/can’t wear, or will
need to wear.
Types of things to consider for clothing:
-Training Time
-Work Days & Your Role
-Dress up Days
-Days Off
-Weather
-Shoes: Outdoor Shoes / Sneakers / Flip-Flops / Boots
-Swim Suites
-Towels
-Comfy Clothing: Sweatpants / Sweatshirts
-An outfit that can get gross
-Rain Jacket / Umbrella
-Laundry Bag
18:42 Toiletries
Tip: Most people end up not using tings like make-up & hair
sprays.
-Shower Caddy
-Extra Tooth Brush
-Chapstick
-Shampoo/ Conditioner / Body Wash
-Hair Brush / Hair Ties
20:28 Medicine
Tip: For International Staff: Bring a supply of your prescriptions for
the whole summer.
-Prescription Medication
-Tylenol / Advil / Midol (ONLY for you, not to share)
-Bandages (the nurse will probably have these for you)
22:00 Electronics
Tip: Dont bring expensive items.
-Headphones
-Phone & Charger
-Laptop & Charger
-Alarm (I do not suggest bringing this but some people like it)
-Speaker
Final Tips
1. Put your name on everything!
2. If you are driving, bring everything you can with you.
3. Don’t bring anything that you are not okay with loosing or damaging.
4. Keep looking a different lists / Reach out to staff who have been to camp before to see what they recommend.
Other Helpful Blog Posts...
Advice for Summer Camp Counselors: www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...
30+ Summer English Language Camp Jobs in Europe: www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...
10 Reasons You Should Work at a Summer Camp: www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...
20 Summer Camp Jobs in Canada for International Workers: www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...
How to Add a Summer Camp Counselor Job to Your Resume: www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...
Please put the things you love to bring to camp, or what you bring and never end up using, down in the comments below!

[@bellashaw2720]

This is honestly the most informative and helpful packing video I've seen!!! Thankyou so much 😂

[@theworkingexpat]

I did try to get pretty extensive haha I’m glad I could help!

[@velocidragon1604]

This was the most helpful video i've seen so far about what to pack for summer camp. Its going to be my first time going to summer camp and this is extremely helpful!

[@theworkingexpat]

I so glad it was helpful! I hope you have an amazing time at camp!

[@sam-yv3un]

Kiyi Sabrina! I was looking for some videos because I'm packing for Wyo right now! The video was very helpful, see you at camp!

[@theworkingexpat]

Kiyi! Haha, hopefully you are packed and ready! I hope you have a great time at camp this summer!

[@ronanboyle713]

Judging by the quality of this video I would’ve thought u had thousands of subscribers. Great video and really helpful

[@theworkingexpat]

Thanks so much, Im glad it helped!

[@spongebobpopsicle4822]

Hi THANK YOU I’m not in the us I’m going on a camping trip with my family and I’m so exited

[@theworkingexpat]

You’re welcome! Have so much fun! I hope its a great trip! :)

[@giniburt5396]

Thanks

[@cadieandfriends4953]

This is awsome, this summer will be my 5th year at camp, I practically know what to pack now but I still print off the list( witch got redon thanks to me because the time it started was an hour early and let’s just say I was early😂🤣 ) but my camp is only 5 days, it’s a bible camp and they travel to many states, so it’s only a week but it’s still fun 🤩

[@theworkingexpat]

That is great! It is fantastic to have a camp, no matter how long or short, that you go back to year after year because you find a great connection there!
I also always end up printing off a list because there is ALWAYS something I forget, not matter how many times I pack for camp!

[@cadieandfriends4953]

@@theworkingexpat yeah there is always something I don’t think of😂🤣

[@madsinaportal7781]

I know this is an odd question that you probably can't answer, but what camp do you work at? The picture at 11:36 looks like a camp I go to in Western Massachusetts called Camp Howe

[@theworkingexpat]

Hi!
My Summer Camp was in Maine. But SO many of them in New England look alike!

[@madsinaportal7781]

@@theworkingexpat they do!!

[@user-lu9ww5kv9l]

Hi mam.
I need to talk with you how can I contact with you